Liz Ballard bids farewell to Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

Liz Ballard, our Chief Executive, has stepped down from the Trust this June, after 13 years of dedicated service. Liz has been instrumental in transforming the Trust into one of the most respected voices for nature conservation in South Yorkshire and beyond.

Since joining the Trust, Liz has steered the organisation through a period of significant growth and change. Her leadership has helped the Trust expand its influence well beyond the boundaries of its nature reserves – into policy, partnerships, health and well-being, and landscape-scale conservation.

Among her many achievements is the establishment of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership, a multi-agency project that has brought together farmers, landowners, and communities to create a joined-up vision for nature-friendly land management across the north-west of Sheffield. The initiative has supported habitat restoration, heritage conservation, and community engagement on a landscape scale, laying the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship.

Liz also played a founding role in the development of Nature North, a bold initiative which unites conservation organisations across the North of England to speak with one voice. Born from conversations between conservation leaders, including Liz, Nature North launched its Strategy for the North earlier this year at the Convention of the North, gaining attention from key regional authorities and policymakers. The initiative signals a shift toward more coordinated, region-wide conservation efforts; Liz ensured that the voice of smaller, community-rooted organisations like the Trust was firmly included.

Closer to home, Liz was instrumental in securing and protecting important local sites, including Ughill Farm, which has quickly become a jewel in the Trust’s crown. Her tireless advocacy also helped protect ancient woodland at Smithy Wood and led to the publication of the Sheffield State of Nature report; a first-of-its-kind resource that has become the foundation for the Trust’s data-driven approach to conservation.

Throughout her time at the Trust, Liz has championed the power of collaboration. From community volunteers to policymakers, she has built partnerships that extend the Trust’s impact far beyond its size. Her leadership style has always been rooted in empowerment – ensuring that the right people are in place to do what they do best, while creating systems that will outlast any single individual.

Her ability to bring people together was never more visible than during the high-profile Sheffield Street Tree dispute. By fostering collaboration between campaigners, local authorities and contractors, Liz helped guide the development of Sheffield’s first Street Tree Strategy, which is now considered a national example of constructive, solutions-focused environmental action.

Acknowledging a Legacy of Leadership

Chair of Trustees Ben Stone praised Liz’s impact:

“Liz has been an outstanding leader and a true ambassador for the Trust and the wider conservation movement. Her ability to bring people together, her passion for nature, and her commitment to evidence-led change have helped us punch well above our weight. We are immensely grateful for her contributions and wish her all the very best in her next chapter.”

Rowan Longhurst, Service Manager Countryside at Sheffield City Council told us:
“The Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership, and the lasting legacy it has created, is a shining example of how collaborative efforts across a landscape can bring real benefits to both communities and the natural world in Sheffield. It reflects the richness of Sheffield’s ecology and the importance of protecting and enhancing its nature and biodiversity. This partnership is one of several that Liz has so passionately spearheaded, shaped, and led during her time at the Trust. Her energy, diplomacy, and deep commitment to meaningful, lasting outcomes have been truly inspiring. It has been a privilege to be part of this partnership and to work alongside others over the years. Liz’s knowledge, drive, and unwavering dedication to conservation and community engagement have left a profound impact. She will be greatly missed.”

Reflecting on her time at the Trust, Liz said:

“It’s been a huge privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team, and to be part of a community that cares so deeply about nature. From the local members and volunteers who count birds at dawn, to national conversations about policy and climate, the work we do is all connected. I feel confident that this is the right time to pass the baton on. The Trust is in a strong place, with a new Chair coming in and exciting opportunities ahead.”

A new Chief Executive will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Liz remains committed to supporting a smooth transition.